Is Foam Board Necessary Siding

Using exterior rigid foam board insulation is a great way to make a building more energy efficient quieter and more likely to prevent moisture infiltration problems.

Is foam board necessary siding. In reality rigid foam board which sometimes comes in fanfold usually only has an insulating factor of r 1 and does not add any appreciable insulation effect to your home. Installing house wrap with rigid foam insulation. In fact the two products combined make your home super insulated from outside wind and weather. And even though some manufacturers call it rigid foam insulation for the purpose of vinyl siding it basically has the same insulating value as a piece of plywood.

Considering how effective house wrap is and how simple it is to install behind vinyl it is a good idea to ensure your contractor includes it when siding your home. The panels provide a continuous energy efficient surface. Also during this siding process you may also consider asking your contractor to add foam insulation between the vinyl and the house wrap for increased r value. Bottom line is exterior foam insulation is a good investment.

I get asked if this or that in the in the cavity works as well as foam under the siding. The studs conduct more heat than the insulation between them. The answer happily is yes. Why insulation under the siding is important.

I thought i should show why continuous foam under the exterior siding is so important. As many things in building science go you my dear reader have to learn something. This eliminates thermal bridging which is the energy lost through wall studs. By glenn hooper june 2 2015.

It also serves as an air barrier. The method works for both new construction and remodeling and doesn t affect siding and trim details very much. Almost any type of siding can be installed over the rigid foam cedar or redwood planks exterior plywood sheets cement fiber board or vinyl siding are common options. Installing foam insulation under vinyl siding is a wise choice for homeowners who are seeking to protect their homes against moisture infiltration as well as improve energy efficiency.